Hungarian Festival and Market

The first Hungarian Festival and Market in Auckland, which was made possible by an exceptional community effort, was a fantastic event with a colourful and rich programme and a large audience, as part of a series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Hungary in 2024. 

The event was hosted at Onepoto Domain Community Hall, where visitors had the opportunity to spend a fun-filled day celebrating Hungary's rich culture, delicious cuisine and vibrant traditions.

The event was opened by Dan Bidois MP (Northcote) and Mihály Geiger, Deputy Head of Mission (Embassy of Hungary Wellington), and then the stage was given over to the Kengugró Australian-Hungarian Folklore Ensemble from Australia and their accompanying Wallaby Band, who entertained the audience with a rousing folk dance performance. 

Among the programmes, the market was a special highlight, where our deservedly popular Hungarian vendors awaited the visitors with their usual high quality Hungarian delicacies and handcraft products, who could taste traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash soup and sausages, as well as award-winning cheeses and Hungarian cakes. And of course, the freshly baked lángos and chimney cake were not to be missed out on - they were all sold out!

The Rubik's Cube 2024 also celebrates half a century of history, and the enterprising could take part in a competition on the stage, or in a Rubik's workshop and mini Rubik's Cube cake-making in the indoor section.

Throughout the festival, children were treated to a variety of craft activities and when these were over, an authentic barn dance began, thanks to the Kengugró Australian-Hungarian Folklore Ensemble and the Wallaby Band! 

During the event, there was also the opportunity to buy raffle - lucky winners could take home valuable prizes. Fans of spicy flavours could test their endurance on stage in a competition: no easy task with the Hungarian Wax Pepper! 

Huge thanks to all the volunteers, vendors, sponsors and everyone who contributed to the success of the festival! See you again next year!

Vadász Viola